Nickleback’s sixth album doesn’t stake out new ground, but this Canadian post-grunge quartet is known for their allegiance to old-school hard rock values. That allegiance is borne out on 2008’s DARK HORSE, a collection of riff-driven rockers and power ballads that thrives on simple chord progressions, distortion-heavy guitars, and lyrics about partying and other carnal delights. The singalong single “Gotta Be Somebody” may flirt with radio-ready pop, but most of DARK HORSE revels in denim-clad, bad boy swagger. It’s hard to forget that Nickleback is a mainstream act, however, especially given the potent, high-gloss sound of the album, courtesy of veteran producer Robert “Mutt” Lang. Like Def Leppard, another Lang-produced band, Nickleback’s rock is packaged prettily enough for soccer moms, a truth evident in accessible ballads like “I’d Come for You.” But longtime fans needn’t despair: the band still packs a punch (see the arena-sized rocker “Burn It To the Ground”), proving Nickleback can have it both ways.

• Released: 10/10/2017
• Format: Vinyl
• Genre: Pop